Kahn slams Bayern for 'exorbitant' Neuer bid

Former Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn on Thursday criticised the Bavarian giants plan to capture Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from Schalke 04.

Neuer, 25, has been heavily courted by Bayern and has already told Schalke, who contest the German Cup final on Saturday, he will not extend his contract which expires in 2012.

Bayern are reported to be set to spend around 20 million euros for the shot-stopper who has been in stellar form this season, but Kahn questions the logic of splashing out an enormous sum, when Neuer could come for free in 2012.

"They will hire a very good goalkeeper, but to pay such a sum for a player who will be free in 2012, is exorbitant," Kahn told German daily Bild.

Kahn is now a TV pundit since retiring from football in 2008 and he slammed Bayern's decision to employ Bayer Leverkusen's 66-year-old coach Jupp Heynckes as trainer for next season.

"It's not a lasting solution," said Kahn.

"What is the thinking behind this? Where is the true philosophy?

"By what criteria are they recruiting players?

"Continuity in the coaching position is the basis for success.

"At times I wonder how the players fit together.

"The example of Barcelona shows that we must think long-term."

Kahn is studying for his coaching licence and could not resist a humorous swipe at his old rival for the Germany goalkeeping shirt Jens Lehmann.

"We could be a super team, me as trainer and Jens as co-trainer," said Kahn.

"Although, I suspect he'll want to have it the other way around."